I did not know that about mantids being in the same family as shrimp. But looking back on it it makes a lot of sense.

I've always liked mantids.

I got three mantis stories.

For a short while i practiced southern mantis kung fu. Ok thats all I got for that story.

One time i was just wrapping up some yard work and i plopped down on the couch to enjoy some tv when something bit me on the middle of my back. I went wth has gotten down my shirt. I start fidgeting around trying get it out whatever it was. I was figuring spider. When it bit me again...and again. Finally i pulled my shirt off and a green mantis popped out.

Final story. It was late on a friday night and i was drunk leaving a sushi bar in my old neighborhood. There on the sidewalk in the beam of a flood light was the biggest praying mantis i ever saw. So what does a drunk guy do in a situation like this. I pick up a small twig, crouch down and try to poke at it. Instantly the thing spread itsmarms and its wings. I didnt expect that and startled i leapt back and fell on my ass. Dumb drunk dave